Approximately 150 guests are expected to attend this premiere event celebrating CASA of Baltimore County’s 16 years of service to abused and neglected children.

“We work with some of the most generous and dedicated volunteers around. The time, effort and love that they put into their work with our children is inspiring. This event is our chance to celebrate the service to children in foster care and raise the money needed to further our mission,” said Jennifer Stine, Executive Director of CASA of Baltimore County.

Guests will arrive to a cocktail hour featuring hors d’oeuvres, an open bar for beer & wine, and cash bar for other liquors. Guests will enjoy a buffet style dinner featuring carving stations, two pasta stations, fresh fruit, and a dessert table and ice cream bar provided by Martin’s Caterers. There will be live and silent auctions, an exciting raffle drawing for a “wheelbarrow of cheer”, and dancing to an acoustic ensemble of What’s Next, Baltimore’s Best Band in 2013, 2014, and 2015. A former CASA youth will present her story, and additional CASA youth will be giving special performances.

The event’s planning committee includes: Event Co-Chairs Kate Buchanan, a CASA Volunteer and Board Member, and Molly Chacko, community volunteer; Erica Palmisano of the Baltimore County Public Library, Jackie Villet of St. Paul’s School for Boys; Kris Spaulding of Fort Garrison Elementary; and Cindy Levering, community volunteer.

Event Co-Chair Kate Buchanan stated, “I am so excited to help plan the Harvest of Hope. I have been involved with CASA for several years, and this event is always one of my favorites. It’s a great night to come out and support a wonderful cause!” Kate is a current Board Member and Volunteer for CASA of Baltimore County. She has been on the board for almost two years and has been a volunteer for the same child for over three years.

CASA of Baltimore County hopes the event will raise $65,000 to provide more CASA volunteers to be voices for abused and neglected children in the foster care system. Today, there are roughly 600 abused and neglected children in foster care throughout Baltimore County; CASA serves just under 1/3 of them. Tickets are $85/person in advance; $90 at the door; $23 of the cost of a ticket is tax deductible.

The organization also has sponsorship opportunities available. For more information on how to become a sponsor, or to purchase tickets to the event, please visit www.casabaltco.org or call Jennifer Stine at 410-828-0515.

About CASA of Baltimore CountySince 2000, CASA of Baltimore County has provided the powerful voice of volunteer advocates for children who have been removed from their parents’ or guardians’ care due to abuse and neglect. The organization has trained nearly 500 volunteers who have worked to improve the future for children.